Ipswich Town announces plans for Portman Road including grass heating and automated turnstiles
It's the second phase of works to Portman Road which began last year
Last updated 1st Nov 2022
Ipswich Town Football Club has submitted further plans to develop and improve its stadium.
The plans comprise the second phase of works to Portman Road and the surrounding areas of the stadium which began last year as part of the Club's commitment to develop and improve its home.
Last summer saw major modifications to the south-east corner of the stadium, along with the installation of the giant screen in the stadium bowl, and new dugouts in front of the Magnus Group West Stand.
The works to be considered under this new application comprise three principal elements, including a new playing surface with under-soil heating.
The new surface is a sand-based hybrid and will be equivalent to some of the best football pitches in Europe.
Along with the new surface, the Club will acquire requisite plant and equipment for the provision of pitch irrigation and surface water attenuation. The new hybrid pitch and irrigation system will provide an elite level playing surface, representing a major step forward for the Club.
Boundary treatment around the pitch will also be carried out, with the installation of a new synthetic pitch perimeter run-off.
In order to provide the plant and services required to support the new state-of-the-art playing surface, the Club is planning to utilise the area in the south-east corner of the stadium and relocate turnstiles directly to the rear of the Sir Alf Ramsey Stand.
This means, outside of the stadium bowl, there will be demolition of the existing turnstiles to the east and west of the Sir Alf Ramsey Stand, currently accessed via Portman Road and Constantine Road.
Boundary treatment to the stadium will then be carried out, with the intention of new turnstile access and egress from the Sir Alf Ramsey Stand via the newly acquired land to the immediate south of the stadium.
The new turnstiles will also be fully automated; the first of their kind at Portman Road.
“We are delighted to have submitted these plans,” CEO Mark Ashton said.
“The new pitch reconstruction will provide an elite level playing surface, therefore giving our playing squads the best chance of success.
“The extensive life span of the new pitch will also aid the Club’s typical annual close season pitch refurbishment schedule, to ensure a quality playing surface year on year.
“Relocating the existing turnstiles that are currently split between Portman Road and Constantine Road will provide a more streamlined entry to Portman Road stadium, further enhancing the matchday experience for our supporters.
“We hope the supporters are excited about the plans, and we look forward to work commencing.”